In the first half of our two-part special, Toni sits down with Nadia Lopez, the famed principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy. Nadia gained popularity when one of her students named her as the most influential person in his life on the popular blog Humans of New York (HONY). She discusses her personal journey, the struggles and accomplishments of her school, and how her students ultimately wound up influencing her.

We can’t be apologetic for the things that we expect of our children, because nobody’s apologetic when our children end up in jail.

— Nadia Lopez

The HONY post came at a time when Nadia was feeling broken and emotionally exhausted. The post, which was liked by a million people in just one day, helped to revitalize the struggling educator.Although she almost gave up on her career because of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she instead persisted.

After the success of the post, the creator of the blog visited the school to see the inspirational principal in action. The post's popularity led to Nadia appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and meeting President Obama. Mott Hall Bridges also raised 1.4 dollars in two weeks.

I don’t suspend, especially our young black males, if they’re just being defiant because they need to be heard.

— Nadia Lopez

Nadia Lopez is the founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a New York City Public School located in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. She received her B.S. in Nursing at Wagner College. She then earned her Masters degree in Special Education from LIU Brooklyn. You can learn more about Nadia and her inspirational story in her memoir The Bridge to Brilliance.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Nadia Lopez and Toni. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://www.brooklynsavvytv.com. Also, stay tuned for part two of Toni's conversation with Nadia next week!

On this week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy, Katy Clark joins Toni and the Savvy panelistas to discuss her job as President of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). She details her responsibilities as president and how she must make sure that organizations have the needed resources to do their work. She also talks about the culture of Brooklyn and where BAM fits in with all of the other cultural organizations.

“One of the things I love the most about BAM is how curious and engaged and chatty the audiences are.” 

— Katy Clark

Katy Clark discusses the history of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and its impact on the community. BAM is the oldest performing arts center in the country, founded in 1861 during the Civil War. It is the original leader of the cultural district of Brooklyn. This cultural district currently consists of approximately 60 organizations and is visited by five million people every year.

Katy's own experience as an artist informs the way she approaches her job as president of BAM and makes her more sympathetic to the artists' challenges, she says. She speaks to her concern for emerging artists and the search for innovative and edgy work. Katy also considers how the new influx of people to Brooklyn will affect the cultural district and its programming.

“Now I feel like Brooklyn behaves like a city again.”

— Katy Clark

Katy Clark earned her BA in history from Jesus College, Cambridge University, her master's degree in violin performance from the University of Illinois, and a certificate in arts management from Birbeck College, University of London. From 1994 to 1999, Katy was a violinist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London. After that, she led the Philadelphia chapter of the American Composer Forum. Katy was appointed the president of BAM in 2015.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Katy Clark, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://www.brooklynsavvytv.com

This week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy features Mikki Shepard as she discusses the state of art and culture with Toni and the Savvy panelistas. The issues of funding, diversity, and cultural representation are all examined. This enlightening conversation is important for artists and art lovers alike.

“The culture was always [in Brooklyn], but it’s been lifted up.”

— Mikki Shepard

An important part of the conversation regarding the arts is financial funding. A lot of money goes toward more notable organizations, such as the opera, ballet, museums, theater companies, etc. Although Mikki acknowledges the need for money in the arts, she also stresses that taking the time to perfect the content and the work is of highest importance.

Another issue in the arts is a lack of diversity in major institutions. The reason that art often lacks diversity is that "people are more comfortable with what they're familiar with," she says. Mikki suggests that the solution to this is putting more diverse people in positions of leadership so that the contest changes consequently. There is, however, a difference between integrating an organization and culturally diversifying that organization.

“There’s never been a lot of diversity in our major institutions.” 

— Mikki Shepard

Mikki Shepard is the cofounder of 651 ARTS, which is a center in Brooklyn aiming to give African culture and performers a bigger platform. She served as director of the Arts and Humanities at the Rockefeller Foundation. She also held the title of Executive Producer at the Apollo Theater for approximately a decade before stepping down last year.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Mikki Shepard, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://www.brooklynsavvytv.com

On this week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy, Dr. Milka Torbarina, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas delve into the issue of the ever-changing doctor/patient relationship. Dr. Torbarina offers her perspective on the subject and how she has managed her own practice as an OBGYN. Toni and the panelistas also share their personal experiences with doctors and their opinions about what needs to be fixed regarding the treatment of patients.

“I think it’s very important… to really get to know the patient even though you’re on a computer.”

— Dr. Milka Torbarina

This week's discussion starts by the panelistas weighing the consequences that technology has had on the doctor/patient relationship. Oftentimes, doctors can be impersonal with their patients because their eyes are glued to a computer screen. This detachedness can also be attributed to doctors' education, where science can overshadow social skills and bedside manner.

Dr. Torbarina then discusses the alarming suicide rates among physicians, noting the statistic as approximately 200 per year. Although one's mental state cannot primarily be connected to his or her career, the figure clearly shows that there is some dissatisfaction with profession among doctors. Perhaps this is due to stress or "burnout," given the pressure that comes with the job. No matter the cause, there is an evident need for change in the medical field.

“Measuring the quality of care is very difficult.” 

— Lisa Bing, Panelista

Dr. Milka Torbarina was premed at Queens College before graduating from Tufts University School of Medicine. She was the first person from Queens College to study at Tufts. She then went on to LA County Medical Center, where she was the first student from Tufts. She is currently focusing on her literary career. You can learn more about Dr. Torbarina in her book, "My Life Along the Long Island Expressway," which came out last year.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Dr. Torbarina, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://www.brooklynsavvytv.com

This week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy features Marge Magner and the inspiring story of how she found her way in the business world. She details the struggles she had to overcome in order to make a name for herself.Stay tuned to hear her journey as well as some great advice, especially for young female professionals who want to stand out.

“I heard regularly, ‘You’re taking the job of a man. You really shouldn’t be here.’”

— Marge Magner

Growing up, Marge Magner was given the impression that the only options for her were to either become a teacher or a nurse. In a sort of act of defiance, she challenged those expectations and decided to enter the business world. She graduated from college in 1969 when women were starting to find themselves and assert their independence. Her college degree gave her opportunities that many women did not have during the late 1960s and early 1970s. This does not mean that Marge was without obstacles, though.

Marge speaks about the lack of female leaders in the business world when she was getting started, and therefore the lack of female mentors. She also notes that she was one of five women in her business class that consisted of approximately 120 men. The conversation then turns to pay equity, and the importance of confronting this issue head-on.

“I was not brought up with an expectation of, ‘I could do great things.’”

— Marge Magner

Marge Magner grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn where she attended public school. She graduated from Brooklyn College in 1969 with a degree in psychology. She spent some time working for an insurance company before going back to school to receive her Masters of Science and Industrial Administration from Purdue University. Magner is the cofounder of Brysam Global Partners and also serves as Chairwoman of the Gannett Corporation. She is also the lead director of Accenture.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Marge Magner, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://www.brooklynsavvytv.com

This week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy is an important one for mothers of black boys in particular. Nicole Franklin, the award-winning filmmaker responsible for the 10-chapter series Little Brother, discusses her work with the Savvy panelistas and what she hopes to achieve with it. The panelistas were also joined by Depelsha McGruder, who founded the group Moms of Black Boys United in response to the multiple killings of black men by cops throughout America. The panelistas share their personal experiences and consider the different ways to make positive changes for the young black boys in our country.

“Our consciousness is still black=beastly.”

— Nicole Franklin

The conversation this week focuses on the treatment and judgment of young black boys. Nicole Franklin notes that the impression of black boys changes when they are 9-13 years old; boys that were once seen as cute and innocent are now perceived as threatening thugs. Even some teachers start to drop off and treat these students differently. With Little Brother, Nicole Franklin aims to prove that this notion is wrong and that black men can be loving and sensitive.

Depelsha McGruder speaks about her organization Moms of Black Boys United, or MOBB United, and their efforts to display positive images of black boys. The ultimate goal of the group is to not only change perception and treatment, but policy as well.

“I always say to [my son], ‘Remember the skin you’re in.’”

— Toni Williams

Nicole Franklin is a writer, director, producer, educator, and much more. She received her BA in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her Masters in Liberal Studies from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Currently, she is the co-producer and co-moderator of a weekly Twitter series called #BlerdDating. To learn more about Little Brothers, visit http://LittleBrotherFilm.com.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Nicole Franklin, Depelsha McGruder, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at http://brooklynsavvy.tv.

This week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy is a must-see for all New Yorkers, especially those currently living in Brooklyn. President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Regina Myer joins Toni and the Savvy panelistas to discuss a myriad of issues and changes affecting the borough.

“We all care about downtown Brooklyn because we all care about the future.”

— Regina Myer

Regina Myer leads the conversation focusing on the fast pace at which Brooklyn is changing. She stresses the emergence of Downtown Brooklyn as the hub of the borough, and the measures she is taking as President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to make positive changes for its inhabitants.

Myer talks about supporting students by connecting them to corporations and by bringing internships to Brooklyn. The panelistas also challenge Myer on a number of subjects relevant to Brooklynites, such as gentrification, affordable housing, and Brooklyn's job market. The candid discussion is a testament to the passion of Brooklyn residents and the importance of having these productive conversations.

“Downtown Brooklyn should be the center of the borough.”

— Regina Myer

Regina Myer received her BA and Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. Before becoming the President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership in October 2016, she served as President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. She was also the senior vice president for planning and design at the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, and the Brooklyn Borough Director for the New York City Planning Department.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Regina Myer, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at brooklynsavvy.tv.

On this week's episode of Brooklyn Savvy, we are continuing our discussion of soul food with Carla Hall and featured guest Tonya Hopkins. As a food and beverage historian, Tonya offers compelling insight into the history of food in the United States and the often ignored contribution that African Americans have had in its development.

“Arguably, no other ethnic group is linked to American food the way that African Americans are.”

— Tonya Hopkins

Tonya Hopkins sheds a light on the history of American food and the facts about it that textbooks seem to neglect. She describes it as a "fusion food," citing Native Americans and enslaved Africans as some of its earliest influences. Slaves in particular were not given due credit for their knowledge and recipes; since they were considered property, their recipes belonged to their owners. Tonya and the panelistas consider how this aspect of history continues to affect black chefs even to this day.

“I think food is the one place we allow people to be different.”

— Carla Hall

Tonya Hopkins' interest in food and its place in history started when she was just a child. After studying anthropology and political science at the University of Pennsylvania, she worked in advertising before starting her career in food. Since then, she has co-founded the James Hemings Foundation, which is a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to preserving African American contributions to American food. Tonya is also a food and wine specialist at a wineshop in Brooklyn called Good Wine.

Be sure to tune in to hear the full discussion with Tonya Hopkins, Carla Hall, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Missed the episode yesterday? Don't worry! You can catch it again tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at brooklynsavvy.tv.

We are excited to announce that this Sunday at 10:00 am, we are kicking off season 12 of Brooklyn Savvy with Carla Hall, who will join Toni and the Savvy panelistas to discuss her journey from a Broadway hopeful to a chef and restaurateur. The Savvy panelistas and crew were warmly welcomed at Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, Carla’s latest enterprise that brings classic southern soul food to Brooklyn’s Waterfront District.

I truly believe that there are no mistakes in the universe.

— Carla Hall

Carla chronicles her fascinating life and how she ultimately wound up in Brooklyn. Her fear of “hating [her] job at 40” prevented her from settling for anything less than gratifying. She forged her own path and made a name for herself almost by accident.

The discussion then turns to the history of food, specifically black food culture. Food is an important aspect of black history, as Carla points out, and it differs in every region of the United States. These regional foods are symbolic of the African American experience and how it is complex and not at all homogenous.

Carla’s love for food stems from the time she spent in Paris after she graduated from Howard University with a degree in accounting. When she came back to the States, she started up a lunch delivery service, which she called “The Lunch Basket.” In just two weeks, she managed to acquire 14 clients. This new business in the food industry led Carla to culinary school when she was 30-years old. She then found herself competing on the hit television show Top Chef, where she won over fans with her unique personality. Today, in addition to running her restaurant, Carla is also the Culinary Ambassador at the African American Museum.

The kitchen is a place of comfort. It is also a place of discipline. 

— Carla Hall

Be sure to tune in this Sunday at 10:00 am to hear the full discussion with Carla Hall, Toni, and the Savvy panelistas. Can't watch the premiere Sunday morning? Don't worry! You can catch it again Monday at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm, or visit us online at brooklynsavvy.tv.This episode is just the beginning of a new and exciting season of Brooklyn Savvy!

The Brooklyn Savvy team is excited to announce that our season 12 premiere will be airing Sunday, May 7th at 10:00 am. We are starting the season off strong with restaurateur and Top Chef finalist Carla Hall, who discusses her personal journey and the importance of soul food with the Savvy panelistas. Also coming up on this season of Brooklyn Savvy are conversations with guests such as Regina Myer, Katy Clarke, and Nadia Lopez.

On May 28th, Regina Myer (@ReginaMyer), who was recently named the President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, will talk about the work that the organization has accomplished and the plans that she has as its new leader. She will also discuss the success she experienced during her time as President of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Katy Clark (@KatyLClark), the president of Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), will join the Savvy panelistas on June 25th to discuss how BAM has been affected by the growth of downtown Brooklyn. She also talks about the challenges of running Brooklyn’s signature culture organization.

In a two-part episode airing July 2nd and July 9th, founding principal of Brooklyn’s Mott Hall Bridges Academy Nadia Lopez (@TheLopezEffect) will join the panelistas to discuss her successes. She is also founder and CEO of the Lopez Effect and author of “The Bridge to Brilliance.” She became somewhat of an Internet star when she was featured on the blog Humans of New York (HONY) after one of her students noted her as the most influential person in his life.

We look forward to sharing these episodes, as well as many others featuring more great guests, this season of Brooklyn Savvy.

Brooklyn Savvy airs Sunday at 10:00 am, with encore shows Monday at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm. Also be sure to check out our website brooklynsavvy.tv for up-to-date Savvy news!